Kettle drive exceeds goal

The Salvation Army in Kansas City has surpassed its 2010 Christmas Campaign goal.

The organization raised a record $8.45 million in the metropolitan area, exceeding its goal of $8.2 million by more than $200,000, according to a news release from The Salvation Army.

The campaign began Nov. 1 and concluded Jan. 31. Corporate donations, major gifts, direct mail, in-kind donations and red kettle income all contributed to make up the total.

“We are so grateful to everyone who dropped money into our Red Kettles at Christmas, wrote a check or volunteered their time,” said Maj. Charles Smith, divisional commander of The Salvation Army in Kansas City. “Even with the struggling economy, the people of Kansas City continue to demonstrate their generosity and compassion for their neighbors in need.”

The money raised during The Salvation Army’s annual Christmas Campaign supports programs and services all year long.

Over the past Christmas season, The Salvation Army distributed toys to more than 10,000 children and provided holiday meals and gifts to thousands of families and homebound individuals in the metro area.